As for the original topic: I have to agree with JediSage and Chaltab. The potential for learning and innovation is very high and most likely worth the cost. NASA has gotten a bad rap over the more recent years because of a number of failed orbiter missions to Mars, the Columbia disaster (which I believe can be eliminated in the future if NASA will turn its back on environmentalists), the delays on the ISS, etc. Going back to the Moon and then on to Mars is an important step towards the future of all mankind.
As for the original topic: I have to agree with JediSage and Chaltab. The potential for learning and innovation is very high and most likely worth the cost. NASA has gotten a bad rap over the more recent years because of a number of failed orbiter missions to Mars, the Columbia disaster (which I believe can be eliminated in the future if NASA will turn its back on environmentalists), the delays on the ISS, etc. Going back to the Moon and then on to Mars is an important step towards the future of all mankind.